Macron named the main threats to France and Europe

French President Emmanuel Macron, in his New Year’s address to the French people on Tuesday, December 31, called the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East a threat to his country’s security, unity and economy. And the manipulation of elections in Georgia, Moldova and Romania is a threat to democracy in Europe. Reuters writes about it.

“The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are not distant conflicts. These conflicts directly concern France and threaten its security, unity and economy,” he said.

In addition, Macron noted that the manipulation of elections in Moldova, Georgia and Romania, as well as terrorist attacks in Europe, are signs of a threat to democracy in Europe.

“Terrorist attacks in Europe and in our neighborhood show that our security and the functioning of our democracies can never be postponed,” Macron said.

The President emphasized that for this reason, Europe should stop delegating its security and defense to other states, such as the United States, and invest in military rearmament.

Macron also called for a tougher stance on international economic issues.

“The European Union must stop being naive when it comes to international trade, as the bloc faces threats of increased tariffs from the newly elected US President Donald Trump. We must reject the policies in the trade imposed by others, refuse everything, which makes us more dependent on others,” he said.

On the evening of January 1, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky congratulated Ukrainians on the 2025 New Year. In his speech, the President of Ukraine recalled the main events of 2024, which, according to him, turned into another year of struggle for the country’s independence.